Chinese woman with adopted Muslim kids declines financial aid

One for the album: Masidi with Wong and her adopted children at the university alumni’s Hari Raya open house.

PHOTO: The Star/ANN

A Chinesewoman from Kota Kinabalu, who has been looking after several Muslim children for 20 years, vows to continue raising the children by herself, Sin Chew Daily reported.

Kindergarten teacher Connie Wong declined financial assistance from Sabah Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) alumni, which had offered to help after reading her story of raising the children, aged between 11 and 20.

The 59-year-old was invited to attend the alumni's Hari Raya open house with her adopted children where the offer was made.

However, Wong, who supplements her income by collecting recyclable items and selling fruits at the market on weekends, declined the help.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Envi­ronment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said he was touched by her sacrifice.

He also offered to help Wong but she declined his offer as well.

Newspapers reported that Wong, fondly known as Cikgu Wong, is a Buddhist but she makes sure her children practise their faith.

Her children attend religious classes in school and go for Friday prayers.